Lionel Messi returned to Barcelona training on Monday in a boost to his chances of featuring in the midweek Champions League game against Inter.
The superstar forward completed part of the session with the main group as he stepped up his recovery from the adductor injury he suffered in the 2-1 LaLiga win over Villarreal last Tuesday.
Barca captain Messi had to be withdrawn at half-time and missed Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Getafe, secured courtesy of goals from Luis Suarez and Junior Firpo.
Messi was making his first start of the campaign when he sustained the adductor issue, having been troubled by a calf problem during pre-season.
Barca’s goalless Champions League draw away to Borussia Dortmund on September 17 marked his return to action and the Argentina international could be available again for the club’s second Group F game, at home to Antonio Conte’s in-form Inter on Wednesday.
It could be a double fitness boost for Ernesto Valverde, with Ousmane Dembele also involved in the first session of the week.
Like Messi, the winger missed the trip to Getafe because of a thigh problem.
Two successive victories have lifted the Spanish champions to fourth in LaLiga and eased the pressure on head coach Valverde following an indifferent start to the season.